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Redskins by Position: Safeties

Happy New Year! All the best to you in 2009; hope you're in need of nothing stronger than a few aspirin today as we take a look at the Redskins' safeties.

On a team badly in need of a shot of youth and talent across the roster, this is one area that need not be addressed. A bevy of youngsters is contributing, and one, free safety LaRon Landry, has real star potential.

Landry, in the end, might still be best suited to playing strong safety, as the coaches believed he would be a better blitzer than Sean Taylor. But playing 30 yards off the ball at free safety has negated some of that game-changing potential. Landry finished the season with just half a sack, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He made a few huge hits late in the season, but developing someone else as a security blanket playing half of center field (Kareem Moore, perhaps) would allow interchangeability between the safeties and let Landry have more shots at the ballcarrier closer to the line.

There are just too few natural playmakers on this roster not to do everything possible to get a guy with that kind of potential in better position to make plays.

Chris Horton was a major find in the seventh round of the draft - the only rookie to contribute and someone who made plays right off the bat. He is a great run fit in this system and while his coverage needs work, he tends to show up around the ball. He had trouble when isolated on tight ends, but he makes things happen. He's a keeper and on a team that plays a lot of three-safety packages (the Cobra package may have been the most successful in 2008), getting Landry, Moore and Horton on the field at the same time would be key.

Moore, a fifth-round pick, was behind for much of the season after missing the offseason with a knee injury, but he came on late and was on the field a lot in December. He's like Horton in that he has a knack for crushing people and is around the ball; he has the potential to be much better in coverage, a natural free safety over time.

This is one position where youth was not feared, with defensive coordinator Greg Blache frequently willing to go very young in the secondary. That should help the franchise down the line for sure.

After investing so many picks - and two first-rounders - on safeties in the past five years, and with so many other holes to fill, you'd think there wouldn't be much offseason action at this position. Reed Doughty is recovering from major back surgery but is good on special teams and works as hard as anyone; I'd tender him and think he could be a very valuable asset as a back-up strong safety. Also, assuming corner Shawn Springs comes back, there is sufficient cover at free safety, with his ability to field that position.

The Redskins could go into games with eight DBs (when healthy) and probably be okay, allowing game-day roster flexibility. Free agent Mike Green could be brought back for the veteran minimum; he knows the system well and could be good insurance.

As mentioned in the review of the corners, the secondary ain't the problem. If anything these guys have thrived despite a lack of support from the front seven. Most of the group is still just entering its prime. I would have some concerns about how DeAngelo Hall might respond to a big contract, and wouldn't necessarily choose him over Carlos Rogers, but the Skins seem to think differently. If they can move Rogers for a third-round pick (maybe a conditional second), then I'd imagine they would do that. Otherwise, there would not be be much change in the secondary overall.

they can move Rogers for a third-round pick (maybe a conditional second), then I'd imagine they would do that.

Happy New Year everyone. May it bring you peace and success. Now onto the above statements. I listen to Vinny on Skins.com. Nothing he said would make anyone think they are going to let Rogers go. Not sure where you getting this stuff from JLC.

I cannot imagine why the team would try to move Carlos Rogers. A young guy this team drafted who came back from a serious injury to be a fixture of the secondary... what the hell am I missing?

Rogers, Hall and Smoot should be our corners going into next season, with Springs (at a more reasonable salary cap number) in spot duty as a safety/corner hybrid... guess that makes too much sense, eh?

Sheesh... the one unit on D I feel pretty good about and there's serious thought to mucking it up? Good grief...

We all know the Skins FO did not tell JLC that they are planning to trade Carlos....don't know where all the rumors are surfacing from but most likely they came from Carlos himself. I'm not saying Carlos thinks he will be (or has asked to be) traded - rather he has been very vocal about his unhappiness with his recent lack of playing time "I'm no backup to anybody and teams would give their right arm to have me."

Way to start off the new year with a healthy dose of hyperbole. Yeah, the league's worst beat reporter, the guy who always makes up his stories, the guy who's always wrong about everything...

Jason La Canfora is reporting on a team that is badly broken, and that brokenness starts at the top, with Danny and Vinnie. JLC does not make stuff up. These two dopes have proven themselves capable of every sort of misstep, personnel-wise, and it would not surprise me one tiny bit if they're considering trying to move Carlos. Idiots.

After investing so many picks - and two first-rounders - on safeties in the past five years, and with so many other holes to fill, you'd think there wouldn't be much offseason action at this position. Reed Doughty is recovering from major back surgery but is good on special teams and works as hard as anyone; I'd tender him and think he could be a very valuable asset as a back-up strong safety.

...........

By Jason La Canfora | January 1, 2009; 1:24 PM ET

Wow. Forgot that one of those 1st rounders were tragically kilt just a year ago? Maybe that's why Vinny drafted Moore and Horton, figuring atleast one will work. I say that is a good job on Vinny's part....

And Reed Doughty isn't that great on the field now that we have seen what Horton can do and Moore's potential. He has dropped to the bottom of the pack and risk being caught in training camp.........

The best part of this thread is that the very same people who could not stand Carlos Rogers about 4 months ago, the same folks who are always pissed when we trade away our draft picks, are now fuming at the possibility that Rogers might be traded for a draft pick. Skins fans continue to prove they have the shortest memories of any human beings on earth.

After investing so many picks - and two first-rounders - on safeties in the past five years, and with so many other holes to fill, you'd think there wouldn't be much offseason action at this position. Reed Doughty is recovering from major back surgery but is good on special teams and works as hard as anyone; I'd tender him and think he could be a very valuable asset as a back-up strong safety.

...........

By Jason La Canfora | January 1, 2009; 1:24 PM ET

Wow. Forgot that one of those 1st rounders were tragically kilt just a year ago? Maybe that's why Vinny drafted Moore and Horton, figuring atleast one will work. I say that is a good job on Vinny's part....

And Reed Doughty isn't that great on the field now that we have seen what Horton can do and Moore's potential. He has dropped to the bottom of the pack and risk being caught in training camp.........

Posted by: 4thFloor | January 1, 2009 2:36 PM | Report abuse

Great points, 4th. Btw, I just noticed a film called The 4th Floor is airing on cable this week. Is that where the handle comes from?

The best part of this thread is that the very same people who could not stand Carlos Rogers about 4 months ago, the same folks who are always pissed when we trade away our draft picks, are now fuming at the possibility that Rogers might be traded for a draft pick. Skins fans continue to prove they have the shortest memories of any human beings on earth.

The best part of this thread is that the very same people who could not stand Carlos Rogers about 4 months ago, the same folks who are always pissed when we trade away our draft picks, are now fuming at the possibility that Rogers might be traded for a draft pick. Skins fans continue to prove they have the shortest memories of any human beings on earth.

Absolutely hilarious.

Posted by: Barno1 | January 1, 2009 2:40 PM

That's because between four months ago and today we got new information about Rogers. The guy showed up and played big time.

Most Skins fans have open minds and change their opinion when it's wrong. But not Barno. The wronger he gets the more adamant he becomes that he's right.

I can not imagine that Rogers will not be traded. He is young, and is a steady cover corner. He does bite on some double moves, but so do most corners. He cannot catch a ball, so he doesn't get many TO's. But it would be hard to use a 3rd round draft pick to replace him.

I suspect that the team will explore an extended contract for him, but he will not be given a huge contract. He is under contract for this year and next, and Skins may have him for an extra year as well. So they can sit tight for now with him.

D Hall should get a good contract offer. He has more value than Carlos, in that he has good hands, and can make TO's. But Carlos should be our second priority in the secondary. I like Springs, and he probably has another year or two in him, but CR has the youth and speed, and should be on the team for years to come.

The thing is, the defense really needs more blitzing from the safety spot. It's one way to get pressure on the QB, something they lack. But that means moving Landry, which means somebody else has to step into his spot, which means the cornerbacks have to cover somebody without help, which means... you get the picture.

The Skins have been struggling for turnovers all year, but interceptions come from consistent pressure on the QB, not from pass coverage. If the other teams' passer can get a full three seconds in the pocket, he's probably going to complete the pass. Unless he does something dumb, like force it into double coverage. Really, it doesn't matter how close the DB is to the receiver when he catches it.

Much as I like Horton, I can't help thinking he's going to end up on special teams once things have shaken out. He just doesn't move well enough to stay with quick receivers. Really, he's a middle linebacker playing safety. Doughty is less of a hitter but more of a safety.

A huge ego (and a short memory) is the first thing you look for in a great corner.

Posted by: TheCork | January 1, 2009 3:52 PM

Cork,

Your an idiot. Either huge ego is first or short memory is first. But they can't both be first. One has to be second. Unless it's third or fourth, of course. Surely speed and height are in there somewhere.

Hey, come to think of it, Tryon has three of the top four! Guy can't miss in the league.

i don't know why people are blaming jasno for reporting what carlos said.

as far as keeping a player or not or acquiring talent...i don't watch coach's film so i don't know enough to say who's going to be a good player and who isn't after this year. so i always give benefit of the doubt to the people who actually have access to the coach's film. i did with AP. i did with clark. i did with lavar. i did with champ. i did with stephen davis. i did with brad johnson. as you can see every high profile player they've let go has flourished in other places. so i'm pretty sure whatever decision they make will be the wrong one. but all i know is i don't know which is the right decision.

also i'm always reminded of the days of juwan howard signing with miami heat. rember that? the whole town went nuts...

I think the statement made here, "that it all starts at the top". Even with dysfunctional butt buddies like Snidely Owl and the Vinnster given the performance of the defense I should think that Blache would have plenty of say. Especially given that Snidely himself coaxed him out of retirement. I do hope Blache is involved in the selection of any new free agents for this defense.

I think that Blache is going to pick his team. If he wants Carlos back he will get him. I suspect that discussions will ensue between Carlos, Blache and Zorn before that happens. I think Smoot is definitely gone permanently this time around.

Its offense where the focus must lie. Staring up front with the line. That most certainly can be completely addressed with this year's draft. You all might have to suffer with Thrash for another year ~smiles~ but at least Jason won't be running for his life and perhaps the new young wide outs will prosper as a result.

But it MUST START on THE OL. AT EVERY POSITION on the OL. NOT the DL ... that same tired litany that is heard from Jason and so many others here. The have Jason Taylor (probably a lot cheaper), they have Carter. They can pick up another free agent.
You have 2 young draft picks and 2 undrafted free agents on the line right now. You don't need to waste a pick on this position yet.

Linebacker is a different story. They lack sufficient depth if Washington is gone next year. They really don't have anyone of his caliber starting on the edges. We'll have to wait and see how this is addressed. Taylor could be the short-term answer.

And clearly special teams, the kicking game is the most critical of all. They may have to use a pick on that as well. Losing 2 picks for Taylor hurt. But one also went to get Kendall.

Trading Thomas in a package with others might make sense. Perhaps with Rabach. Not sure you can trade Samuels.

Its a big crap shoot. But one this is certain. They have to keep as much of this defense as they can ...

I've been watching the Gator bowl and their DT Ndamukong Suh from Nebraska who some believe will enter early into this draft is having a huge game against Clemson. He's been a force against the run, he's had a sack or two. block a field goal, blown up a few WR screens, and almost had a pick. He's actually played the DE position when Nebraska uses the 3-4 defense. If Suh enters the draft, this is someone to keep an eye on as the draft season progresses.

Your defense didn't get enough sacks but your best pass rusher suffered a freak injury. At the end he looked pretty damned good. defense finished 4th in the league lagging only in sacks and turnovers. It beat a probable superbowl contender 10-3 when everyone was healthy.

Your offense finished near the bottom. It gave up more sacks. Your quarterback was often running for his life.

I think you'd have to address both lines this offseason. IMO a potential starter at LT is the first priority in the draft. That person hopefully can push Heyer for the RT starting job. The skins also needs a stud DT. They have good players now, but this defense was especially impressive when Giffin was younger, less injured, and more disrutive. Drafting such a player should be high on the Skins wish list.

I agree they need to make OL the highest priority. I do not agree that DL doesn't need to be addressed. They get no pressure up the middle. That has to be 2nd priority. They need to collapse the middle. Then comes linebacker.

Forget spending tons of money on aging free agents. I'd like to say get them if they're young (like Suggs)... but only if cap can be managed without mortgaging the future - tired of that.

Let most of the old guys go who are past being productive each and every week due to deteriorating skills and/or age-induced injury (Springs, Jansen, Washington, etc.). I LOVE these great Redskins but you have to make decisions and keep the emotions out of it.

Keep both Rogers and Hall if at all possible. Blache should be able to straighten out any immaturity issues with Rogers, and keep Hall in line.

Seriously doubt they can get anything that would be worth it for Samuels or Randy Thomas.

I'd like to see if we can play around with the numbers to keep taylor for another year. Moot point as to how much he can really contribute given the injuries situation, but the 2nd rnder we'll never get back, so have to give it another shot. if we let him go and he contributes for another team (god forbid an NFC east stablemate) we'll look like idiots. Fins must be pissing themselves.

Yeah, Mr.Redskin21, just because Jansno says things that YOU do not want to hear then he becomes the "worst beat reporter".

When Woodward was reporting the behind the scenes shenanigans of the Watergate break-in he did not go straight to Nixon either. As a matter of fact he did not reveal his ultimate sources for decades, so I guess that makes it all untrue as well. So in your mind you just think that this is all made up, concocted out of the blue to fill up space?

In the real world people will give information out and do not want to have their name splashed all around in print as the source. Once you disclose the source you have just ended your conduit to that person and the anyone else who is willing to disclose information. So, MrRedskin21, get a grip and dont think that all information concerning the Redskins has to come from Danny, Vinny or Zorn.

I agree, periculum. OT or LB should be our focus. I have to wonder if Washington's health will force us to cut him.

I'm not a big fan of keeping Taylor, tho. I don't think he fits into Blache's system. Blache wants DL's who control their lane. However, Blache obviously disagrees with me. He said at the end of the season, that he wanted Tayor back. So what do I know? Maybe Blache wants to use him more as a combo DE/LB. I'd like to see more of that. But $8 Million for that? Seems we need to spend more of our salary cap on other positions.

On another note, how does a proven cornerback starter like Carlos become devalued to a "provisional 2" or third round choice? Is it because he only has one year left on his contract? If that is the case it sures seems like a number 1 pick is like a new car, as soon as you get it it becomes a whole lot less in value when you try to sell it. Come to think of it, if someone was really thinking last spring we could have used three number two picks to trade for 3 starters instead of what we got for them.

Yeah, Mr.Redskin21, just because Jansno says things that YOU do not want to hear then he becomes the "worst beat reporter".

When Woodward was reporting the behind the scenes shenanigans of the Watergate break-in he did not go straight to Nixon either. As a matter of fact he did not reveal his ultimate sources for decades, so I guess that makes it all untrue as well. So in your mind you just think that this is all made up, concocted out of the blue to fill up space?

In the real world people will give information out and do not want to have their name splashed all around in print as the source. Once you disclose the source you have just ended your conduit to that person and the anyone else who is willing to disclose information. So, MrRedskin21, get a grip and dont think that all information concerning the Redskins has to come from Danny, Vinny or Zorn.
---------------------------

Comparing JLC to Woodward provided me with a hearty chuckle, so thanks for that.

What your narrow lens cannot see is that it doesn't matter if JLC interviews the locker room janitor re Carlos Rogers being traded (and I'm pretty sure that's who he interviewed anyway). The only people who have the authority to make such a move are The Danny, The Vinny, and Zorn.

As for this gem:

++So in your mind you just think that this is all made up, concocted out of the blue to fill up space?++

See: Jayson Blair, Stephen Glass, Janet Leslie Cooke (who wrote for this very paper), and on and on.

Bring in a low cost FA left guard to challenge Chad Rhinehart. If the FA beats out Rhinehart, you have him, Rhinehart, as a back up to both guard positions. If Rhinehart beats out the vet, the vet then soldifies the depth at that position.

That solves one spot.

That also means drafting a right tackle who must start from day one. Playing that draft pick with Fred Davis starting at Tight end immediately gives youth, speed and size to the right side of the line.

Jansen and his contract becomes a back up and 'coach' for the guy replacng him.

The question, then, is who is the young tackle? Would the Skins trade a pick or a fan fav to move up or down to get that player?

That's why the talk about 'keeping' Rogers is odd.

The Skins offense is a drag onn the team and has been so since the Ol' Ball Coach ran off with money he didn't earn.

Again: if you move Rogers to get a guy to play right tackle from day one, would you?

I would.

Don't hand the position to Heyer as he's better suited to wait and replace Samuels.

driley, for what it's worth, Blache was asked after our last game why Springs and Hall were the starters and he replied that they make plays on the ball and that was why he decided to have them start. Blache said when Hall first arrived he was not a starter but once he got in the game and proved his worth, it was a given he would be starting the game (these are my words not his since I can't remember his exact words). Springs was out for awhile so it was Rogers and Hall starting.

Of course, every offseason the speculation is rampant that Springs will be released - however, I understand that Blache loves Springs.

You all know how much I love Springs (and I want us to keep ALL of them) but it would be baffling for us to trade Rogers since Springs is 33 and on the last year of his contract.

They need to get younger on the OL but it will be a transition over the next few years as they add proven FAs and draft picks (sure hope they get some good talent evaluators under Vinnie like what Baltimore has under Ossie... since Vinnie's not going anywhere).

I think you have to keep Samuels as a starter for next year, maybe even Rabach and Thomas depending on FAs. I guess Jansen could be kept for depth (especially if there is a huge cap hit). The young draft picks have to beat them out in the next year or two. Unless we get a FA, I don't see an option other than Heyer taking over RT - he will have to take another step up. Hopefully, Rinehart will be ready to start in 2009.

Which is why the Skins' personnel folks can talk smack about moving Rogers.

The Skins' offense needs the picks and options. At some point, steps have to be taken to get the Redskins an offense that carries the team as the same age issues it has are now factors on that side of the ball.

None of this would be under discussion if the FO had saved the picks that went to Kendall and Lloyd, and used them to bring in young linemen over the past three seasons.

Now, with 4 picks and double the needs, the Skins have to go NBA style and move people to get picks.

They need to spend money and keep this secondary intact including keeping Rogers and Hall.

They need to spend $$ on bringing in Terrell Suggs to fill a pass-rushing need and LB need.

We need to spend nothing on the D-line. We need to use draft picks on some young tackles. Lean on Golston and Monty. Bring back Phillips for the vet minimum, and work the tar out of Carter, Evans, Jackson, Buzbee, and Wilson.

Yep trade Rogers to weaken the secondary which is one of the few strengths on this team. Who the hell are going to be our CB's next year? Hall is a FA and is no guarantee to sign here and Springs will play in 5 games. Then we can get blown out every week with Smoot and Tryon in there.

So rickyroge, you're in the Barno camp, taunting those of us saying it would be folly to get rid of Carlos Rogers even though he was the subject of strong criticism not so long ago. What's the big deal?

I wasn't among those who slung vitriol at the dude, but he had a lot to prove. Well, things have changed since the guy was a "Double Move" punch line. He came back STRONG this year, and after a grievous injury played better than he did before he got hurt. He changed. The situation changed. Accordingly, some people's opinions have changed. Whoop dee doo.

Rogers deserved criticism before, and now he deserves praise, and I believe he deserves a starting spot on this defense going into 2009.

MrRedskin21, you ought to back down on the anti-JLC rhetoric just a bit, dude. You're accusing him of making up the stuff he's writing.

You're way out of bounds... unless you would care to specifically note the item(s) you think he has made up, and then explain how you can prove it. Every person who has leveled such spurious accusations at JLC has failed to do so, but I challenge you to do it.

You're alleging the most serious misconduct that one can claim against a journalist, on the dude's own blog no less -- and implicitly accusing his editors of being complicit in the same -- and I'm calling you to carpet on it.

Don't really see it as hypocritical changing an opinion on a player. Rogers was very average his first couple years and deserved some of the criticism he got. He has improved greatly, is a legit #2 CB and plays the run tough. He isn't a soft CB like so many others around the NFL. He is a proven commodity so why would you trade him for a 3rd rounder that will ultimately be a choice Vinny Ceratto makes.

I guess there are gonna be a lot of hypocrites on here if any of the 2nd rounders from this year improve.

I just don't see the point of giving up a starting level cornerback for less than a first round pick. But what do I know, I would have never traded an All Pro cornerback and a number two pick for Clinton Portis either.

As others have said, Hall is not a sure thing. Hall also is going to get burned a lot not next year, but I would do all that I could to keep Hall, Rogers and Springs on the same team. If we can't have a defensive line, or linebackers or an offensive line I will have to settle for a secondary. (Hmmmm, also include, punter, kicker, punt returner and receivers under the 'not having' list).

JLC is an inept hack who is wrong more times than not, uses "unnamed sources" that prove to be every bit as strong/reliable as a wet paper towel, and yeah, I've worked with enough people like that to know he's BSing most of the time because he blew his own access to the team through his feud with Vinny (another slack-jawed moron who can't do his job).

Now, the fact that he's your buddy is not my problem. I just call 'em as I see 'em.

The paper would be better served with Reid, Svrluga, Carpenter or Maske on this beat.

34 year old springs and "special teamer at best" tryon dont mean half of what rogers does to the franchise. Even if hes a number two corner for his career we need the youth and coverage. I can deal with the drops, its better than watching smoot get burned again and again.

I'm not sure but I don't think this is something they get to "choose". I suspect this is considered one of the more odious tasks in that department. There was a time when it was considered something to be that reporter. I suspect the sheer ridicule created for this team because of Snidely Owl and his crony the Vinnster has unfortunately changed all of that. To whit Maske used to have this beat ... now most of them write editorials decrying the foolishness and stupidity they witness. In other words, we aren't all that far from being the Detrois Lions or the Oakland Raiders.

"The paper would be better served with Reid, Svrluga, Carpenter or Maske on this beat."

anyone read that rocky mountain article on vinny? one thing that struck me was who was the idiot editor that allowed that article to appear the day after the biggest news since john elway retired in denver?

2008 Preseason: Suspended for first game of 2008 afer being cited for smoking marijuana in March. 2007: 13 GP; 13 GS; 37 Sol-56 TT, 17 TFL, 8 SK, 6 QBH; First team All-Big East...2006: 13 GP; 13 GS; 17 Sol-31 TT, 8.5 TFL, 3 SK, 4 QBH, 1 FF; First-Team All-BIG EAST Conference choice ... started every game, extending a string of 24 consecutive starts that he began as a true freshman ... recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, ranking third and fourth, respectively ... 2005: 11 GP; 11 GS; 11 Sol-22 TT, 6.5 TFL, 1 QBH, 1 FR; Made a significant contribution to the Bearcat defense as a true frosh...shared the team Defensive Newcomer of the Year award...became a starter at defensive tackle almost upon his arrival in preseason practice...started all 11 contests and likely saw the most playing time of any of the defensive linemen...fifth in tackles for loss (6.5)...

Your blithely confident, casually vague accusations of malfeasance on JLC's part belie your apparent ignorance of how journalism works. Of course you couldn't cite a single specific example! How silly of me to ask.

And lest it go unmentioned, the foul epithet you lobbed at 6:50pm was absolutely unnecessary. That kind of language has no place up here.

And the other thing you brought up... the only things I take very seriously up here are unmerited insults to our hosts, the people who bring us this blog and all the information it provides (not to mention the platform for this ongoing discussion we're having). You've been bringing the unmerited insults, and I couldn't let 'em slide.

(Okay, I'm a little oversensitive to the general tone of the conversation as well, preferring things to be respectful and not overly crude and light and funny and fun, but I don't take that too seriously. Like right now. I'm not even taking this comment I'm writing as serious as it will probably come off. Seriously.)

ROGERS. Trading an experienced 1st rounder for an inexperienced 2nd conditional makes NO sense. If that eventuality is realized, it speaks directly to the abilities of the scouts, coaches and GM to pick a #1 CB and of CERRATO to negotiate in the current situation. Anything less than a first round pick speaks volumes about the player in question, and the organization's decision to invest in his future here.

And as La CANFORA writes, who knows what might show up next year if MeANGELO (as he was known in ATLANTA) is given a generous contract and invited back.

MOORE showed a distinct inability to read and react quickly in pass coverages. He was toast on several touchdowns late in the season. He is not the solution next year. Big question as to whether he will ever develop into an outstanding free cover guy. Can the REDSKINS afford to gamble on a slow developer at free safety? Kinda' reminds me of the quarter-back position. My response in no.

Look if you want SEAN TAYLOR forget it. He was a "freak of nature", a once in a generation combination of speed, power, AND savvy. If that's what's needed, use the 13th to draft the best free safety available. Otherwise, expect crucial completions in the secondary. Lose DOUGHTY. SIGN GREEN. SIGN SPRINGS - far too versatile and valuable to lose.

I think you're mistaken about Moore... he did miss some assignements but he was not toasted that I can recall. He played decent ball once back after a few weeks returning from an injury. He will be a decent ball player. Doughty is a better keep than Green..... ( can't believe you said that ) Doughty is a serviceable young guy. SIGN SPRINGS? Seriously? He won't take mid level salary to stay here. He will leave here after next year and go somewhere for decent money at a Free Safety position. I wish he would stay "on the cheap" and play Safety and let LaRon get back to Strong and Horton stay in on the COBRA package....

I hate to even suggest this, considering how incompetent Vinny and Danny have been in free agency, but we could actually have a great deal of cap space, and not only Suggs, but Henderson and Peppers are going to be UFA's, so we might actually be able to get a pro bowl DL in his prime. I mean, other teams do it; why can't we?

This is a 3 round mock if we stay with the picks we have these would be two very nice picks.

Washington Redskins: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Redskins have major problems at right tackle. Jon Jansen, who turns 33 in January, is playing on his last legs. Eben Britton would fit in well on the right side, and could potentially slide over to the blind side once Samuels' time is up.

Best to you and yours, Greg. I didn't even bother going over the comments from yesterday and I've been off the blog most of the last week. I'm not getting geared up for another Redskins offseason until Vinny's gone...

I don't understand why they are even arguing this, if the Skins say he is going to be traded, I will argue it all day until I am blue in the face.

I'm not saying JLC is making anything up he is speculating on what he thinks will happen because of what he is hearing.

My problem with that is he has no access to Vinny, so he is not getting all the information.

Rogers might be telling everyone he wants to be traded, but that means nothing he is under contract they can keep him and sit him all next year and there is nothing he can do about it.

I'm not suggesting they do that but he has very few options, he will be in a contract year so if nothing happens it will be in his best interest to play as well as he can next year so he can get a big contract.

Here is a link to Rich Tandler's column regarding the offseason needs of the skins. I tried to post the column, but it's being blocked by the RI higher ups. I think Rich does a very good job of analyzing the team.

Flounder-I agree it would be great if the skins went ahead and took those two o-lineman you speak of. I think Jansen and Thomas are the ones needed to be replaced, not Kendall. Why does everyone crap all over Kendall when he played his ass off all year and was one of the reasons Portis was able to rush for so many yards. Kendall and Samuels did well together. One bad, flukey play was not what his deal this year. It was an instinctive natural reaction that any lineman would have done. I can think of a whole lot worse this year that kept the skins out of the playoffs. Kendall is a little old and we'll be lucky to squeeze a couple more years out of him, but he's a gamer, and rebuilding this line will take two years of dedication, not one.

The Skin's are surely straight in the secondary for the most part. You have to re-sign Hall. This talk of trading Rogers is crazy. He was the most consistent corner all season long and while he had some breakdowns and his hands aren't good at all, he had a really good season coming off major surgery in '07. Fred Smoot is terrible, much like the guy that wore #27 before him, Al Harris. (I realize he made the pro bowl with SF the year after he left the 'Skins but with the 'Skins he was bad. Smoot borders on David Terrell bad also.) I bring Springs back, depending on how much it costs (also weighing the fact that he'll cost $6 million against the cap), but as the third guy, or as LaConfora mentioned playing some safety. He has not shown the ability to stay healthy and consistency is needed.